how to install boxee and appletv – media center nirvana

i love my appletv, but the thing about it is that it always leaves me thirsting for more. well guess what – more just arrived by the ton. i took the plunge this afternoon and decided to install boxee (based on the xmbc media center) on my appletv. i found some guides on the setup. but figured i would write a simpler one.

part one – make the installer
1. for macusers go here – download atv-usb patchkey
2. once downloaded pop in a usb key / thumb drive [note it will be formatted so might want to back up anything you need first]
3. open the atv-usbcreator and click on the app — [example image]
4. select atv-patchstick from the first drop down
5. select appletv version 2.x from the next drop down
6. in the usb target device menu – selectthe path to your usbkey / thumb drive
7. click the create using button – the process should take a bit of time to complete

part two – patch the appletv
1. unplug the power to the apple tv [i actually have mine on a switch]
2. plug in the usbkey in the usb slot next to the power cord
3. plug the appletv back in
4. tux the linux penguin should appear on screen – then it will load the patcher
5. once its done patching – unplug the usbkey
6. unplug the power to the appletv
7. then plug the power back in to the appletv [damn apple for making no power switch]

part three – install xmbc & boxee
part two didn’t install boxee or xmbc it installed the apps that allow you to install them and keep them updated
1. when the appletv boots up – select update from the boxee menu
2. then update xmbc – it will download the newest version from sourceforge
3. then update boxee – it too will download the newest version from the boxee website
4. lastly update the launcher

finally if you haven’t signed up for an account on boxee.tv do so now. once thats completed you can setup your username and password inside of boxee on your appletv.

Matt is an Internet Specialist for a multinational franchise. Matt has lived and worked in Hawaii, Chicago, South Florida and currently resides outside of Atlanta. He enjoys his hobbies including: Fountain Pens, Wetshaving, Clocks, Antiques & Coffee. He even roasts his own coffee weekly.